As Australians, it’s safe to say we have an abundant ongoing love affair with all things spring horse racing whether it be the fashion, lusting over high profile marquee parties or the race that stops the nation itself! More recently however, “a day at the polo’ has quickly grown to become one of the hottest social events of the calendar year which naturally poses us with the question, could it be the new go-to sporting event of the Australian social scene? With the emergence of Sydney’s Polo in the City (held at Centennial Park-lands) and Melbourne’s illustrious Portsea Polo (Point Nepean National Park), the sport is fast becoming the must-attend event of the summer social season!
Polo is a sport that is said to have originated as far back as the 1st century. Its exact origin is not known, however it’s said that the birthplace of polo is likely to have been anywhere between Central Asian to the Middle Eastern region. For those of you who don’t know much about the sport, polo is a team sport that is played on horseback with the general objective of the game being to “score goals against the opposing team” (1) where each player uses a mallet stick to hit a wooden ball across a grassed field. The game has evolved over the years to become synonymous with aristocratic pass time.
We all can remember the scene from the movie Pretty Women where Julia Roberts’ character Vivian Ward graces the field in a belted polka dot midi dress, straw hat and white hand gloves. Even as a child I couldn’t help being in complete awe as I watched the movie screen. The casual sophisticated elegance Julia exuded made me dream of one day attending such an exuberant and relaxed daytime soiree. Ms. Roberts’ free falling silhouette has gone on to become signature dressing for daytime events, something that can easily be transferred into our own style when dressing up for a day at the Polo!
Our Top 10 Essentials
Grab a coffee, sit back and relax as we count down our top 10 essential fashion picks to try when attending a polo event this upcoming spring/summer season! We look at everything from fashion trends, silhouette fit and embellishment detailing. Get inspired by our extensive range of designer dresses and accessory style tips!
1. The Stripe Print
When it comes to dressing for the Polo, the striped print has surprisingly become a go-to look. It’s daytime flair is an all-round-hit which offers Its patrons some fun in the sun. Be bold and experiment with length, colour and stripe thickness at your next polo event. For a flattering elongated look, opt for top to bottom rather than left to right stripes. Top to bottom stripes seem to better suit almost all shapes and sizes.
2. The Tiered Ruffle
Set your look into a fiercely feminine gear with the tiered ruffle dress featuring a visually captivating array of flounced ruffled layers. Nothing will make you feel more relaxed and womanly than a gorgeously tiered midi dress. The perfect option for your upcoming outdoor polo function. To achieve a relaxed daytime feel make sure you opt for a looser fitting ruffled skirt.
3. The Straw Hat
Fedora, Panama, boater or even sun hats, you name it the straw hat will take your look from zero to hero instantaneously. A must have item for your outdoor polo event, a large straw hat will provide you with the coverage you need to feel comfortable. Add it to your outfit and you’ll feel alluringly sophisticated all day long! When picking a hat choose a style that works best with your face shape.
4. The Layered Necklace
Delicate jewels are all the rage at the moment so why not add this gorgeous trend to your polo day outfit. Experiment with fine neck pieces in rose gold, silver or gold for that added touch of glam. Try the layered necklace look with a beautiful cold-shoulder outfit or free flowing maxi dress for a refined Boho style as seen on Vanessa Hudgens above.
5. The Oversized Glasses
Add a pair of Shades to your polo day outfit and you’ll feel celebrity ready in no time. When we talk about essentials the oversized glasses are a must! Keep it classic with a bold tortoiseshell resin set frame, guaranteed to perfectly match any outfit you choose. Protect your eyes from the outdoor elements and avoid squinting the whole day with some ultra-fashionable eye wear.
6. The Elegant Cut-Out
Try something a little more contemporary with a peep-a-boo cut out! Whether it’s a smouldering cold shoulder neckline, halter tie feature or even laser cut lace you’ll feel incredibly modern when attending your spring/summer polo match! For sophisticated style, try neutral tones such as white or ivory which work beautifully against the outdoor landscape. Add the elegant cut-out to your look this polo season!
Read Also: What To Wear For Fashion Week
7. The Belt Bag
One of the hottest trends to grace the runways recently is the belt bag which is not only incredibly stylish but also immensely practical. The belt bag is a great way to add some fashion flair to your look. Keep your hands free for those summer time cocktails (or mocktails) and smartphone selfies with this haute trend as seen billowing down the catwalks of high fashion brands such as YSL and Gucci.
8. The Golden Hoop
We are loving the golden hoop trend this season! Think all things ‘Jenny from the block’ with a pair of statement earrings that will subtly but surely add a spark to your summer time outfit. Play around with textured hoops or keep it plain with polished metals for that sun-kissed Havana vibe! Add to your look by layering it up with matching bold gold jewellery and illuminated bronzed cheekbones.
9. The Two Piece
Keep it carefree and relaxed this polo season with the two piece set. This look has to be the epitome of smart casual. Not only will it have you feeling super modern and slightly edgy, but also incredibly fresh and comfortable. This look works best in a neutral colour palette featuring crisp fabric textures such as cotton or linen. Feel perfecto la bianco in a radiant two piece set at your next polo function!
10. The Summer Blazer
Try something a little dapper with a tailored power suit blazer. the summer blazer look will offer you a refined corporate look, great for those work function themed events. A great way to feel professional yet remain stylish and picture perfect. Spice up your look with a rich hue such as mustard yellow or keep it simple with a crisp ivory jacket. Tone down your tailored look with a pair of chic wedges, perfect for trotting around on the grass.
For more style tips read our 7 Makeup Ideas To Try With a White Dress blog post!
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References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo
